A river journey, like no other allows you to gently absorb the landscape, appreciate the subtle changes in architecture and reflect on the many ways the river you are travelling along has influenced the course of history. More than any other European river the Danube has set the historical pulse of Central Europe, the vital crucible of culture that draws on influences of East and West.
Journey with us aboard the elegant, 100-passenger RV Advance along the most romantic section of the Danube River between Budapest and Bavaria. Within the course of seven nights we will travel through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany and accomplish a comprehensive look at an area of infinite cultural riches. Along the way we will enjoy the delights of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, the beauty of the Wachau Valley and the timeless tranquillity of Medieval towns and villages. Travel through the idyllic, rolling pastures and vineyards, past centuries old villages, towns and imperial cities which have witnessed the fascinating and turbulent history of Middle Europe.
Our river vessel will take us through borders and from place to place along the Danube with great ease, allowing us to relax and enjoy the scenery and the numerous stops without the distraction of long road journeys, traffic jams and border delays. The bountiful months of September and October are the perfect time to enjoy a trip along the Danube, the high season crowds have departed and the temperatures are ideal for exploring.
Advance
The 100-passenger RV Advance is a luxurious, boutique river ship which was built in 2017, and launched into service in 2023. No expense has been spared to create a vessel which is a joy to travel on with stylish public rooms and elegant staterooms along with an expansive Sun Deck. The atmosphere is warm and convivial and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment. A musician will play each evening whilst you relax in the lounge, Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Budapest, Hungary.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to the RV Advance for embarkation.
Day 2 Budapest.
After breakfast our guided tour will include the old quarter, visiting the Mathias’ Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion from where there are stunning views of the city. After lunch on board, the afternoon will be free to explore at leisure before we sail this evening.
Day 3 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Arrive over lunch in the Slovak capital of Bratislava. Join a guided walking tour of the city, formerly known as Pressburg, a former capital of Hungary. See the old quarter, the ornate Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates. Finish your tour with a visit to the beautiful Klarissen Church where a string quartet will perform a concert of music by Dvorak and Mozart.
Day 4 Vienna, Austria.
A morning city tour of Austria’s elegant capital will take us around the famous Ringstrasse and the Old Quarter including St Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively join a tour to see Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the favourite summer residence of Maria Theresa. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is at leisure to explore this majestic city further at your own pace.
Day 5 Krems & Durnstein, Wachau Valley.
Spend the day in the Wachau Valley famous for its landscapes, vineyards and castles. From our berth in Krems we drive to Graffenegg Castle. Developed over seven centuries, here we will see traces of Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Gothic architecture with soaring towers, stylish staircases and atmospheric arcades. Also see the 32 hectares of grounds including rare plants, trees and sculptures. Over lunch we sail the short distance to the pretty town of Durnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Enjoy some free time ashore to explore and perhaps sample some of the town’s delicious Marillenschnaps or strudel before we enjoy a tasting of some of the region’s excellent wines.
Day 6 Melk.
Spend the morning in Melk with its majestic Baroque abbey situated on a cliff, high above the Danube. A morning guided tour of the abbey, includes the Imperial Staircase, the Marble Hall and the abbey church. Relax on board this afternoon and maybe join a lecture as we spend time sailing along the Danube.
Day 7 Passau, Germany.
Over breakfast we arrive in Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers join the Danube. Our guided walking tour will include the old town of this Bavarian city and the breathtaking Cathedral of St Stephen which contains one of the world’s largest church pipe organs. Enjoy an organ recital before returning to the vessel for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace before we sail in the early evening.
Day 8 Regensburg to London.
Disembark and transfer to Munich airport for your return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
| 27 September to 4 October 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| D Standard Stateroom on Deck 2 | Fully Booked | |
| C Standard Stateroom on Deck 3 | Fully Booked | |
| B Large Stateroom on Deck 2 | Fully Booked | |
| A Large Stateroom on Deck 3 | Fully Booked | |
| Suite Two room Suite on Deck 3 | Fully Booked | |
| D Standard Stateroom on Deck 2 for sole use | Fully Booked | |
| C Standard Stateroom on Deck 3 for sole use | Fully Booked | |
Tour Reference Code: RCAD270924
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights aboard the RV Advance on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance
Advance
The 100-passenger RV Advance is a luxurious, boutique river ship which was built in 2017, and launched into service in 2023. No expense has been spared to create a vessel which is a joy to travel on with stylish public rooms and elegant staterooms along with an expansive Sun Deck. The atmosphere is warm and convivial and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment. A musician will play each evening whilst you relax in the lounge, Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Travelling with You
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Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski
Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski graduated in History from Cambridge, before obtaining his doctorate from Oxford. He taught European history at Oxford and Queen’s University Belfast before moving to the School of Slavonic and East European Studies at University College London, where he has been Professor of Polish-Lithuanian History since 2013. He is also Principal Historian of the Polish History Museum in Warsaw. Richard’s academic interests range across the history and culture of Europe, especially in the eighteenth century. An admirer of the baroque and classical styles in the arts, he delights in Mozart’s operas. He has published four single-authored books, four edited books, and many articles in scholarly periodicals and collections, and is in frequent demand as a speaker at international conferences.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000